After help agin...

My WIfe Snapped off the key in the ignition of our F plate SPace Cruiser, then she aggrevated it by trying to pick out the remains and in doing so has shoved the shank of the key too far in to be removed (Brittania Rescue couldn't get it out).

Problem now is how to remove the Ignition barrel.

The Steering lock is on and the ignition is in the Off position. I cant gfet it into Acc position to withdraw the barrel.

So how do I remove the Barrel to replace it or remove key shank?

Can I remove the Steering wheel to get access to the Steering lock and if so how do I then disengage it?

How would I go about Drilling out the barrel if necessary, having never attemped this before I'm a bit wary.

Help Please

Dave

- (#10808) Dave Townsend, 11 May 04 01:24

take off the shrouds, put the key in "acc" then depress the little button on the lock housing (might need a fine screwdriver to do this), the barrel will pull straight out. it'll interchange with many other toyotas of the same era, so a trip to the breakers should sort you out.

this is all in the archives, btw...

- (#10808) David Miller, 11 May 04 01:41

i have remove the shrouds, and i have read all the advise in the archives.

the problem is i can't turn the ignition to acc cos to the shank of the broken key beiong still in the ignition and having been pushed to far in. therefore pressing the little button is not possible.



- (#10808) Dave Townsend, 11 May 04 01:46

Can you not use the rest of the key to turn the lock, otherwise careful use of a large flat blade screw driver may help. Once you have the barrel out you should be able to remove the broken bit and re-use.
If all else fails a slide hammer will remove the lock assembly.

- (#10808) Clive (Bristol), 11 May 04 03:28

Unforntunately the shank has been push in to far to allow the rest of the key to be used (shank now past unlock point.

Excuse my ignorance....What is a Slide Hammer, and how would I use it to free the barrel?

- (#10808) Dave Townsend, 11 May 04 03:56

Slide hammer - shaft with hook/claw on one end and a stop at the other, with a sliding weight, hook on with the hook i.e. into the key slot, move the sliding weight down and then sharply up to the stop and pop lock out. As shown on the Fast and the Furious film.

- (#10808) Clive, 11 May 04 04:24

Sounds Suitably drastic :o)

Has anyone attempted this(in real life) before I go and aquire myself a Slide Hammer?

Then I just need a replacement Barrel. How much damage am I likely to do the the Steering lock though?

- (#10808) Dave Townsend, 11 May 04 04:33

I'd try the large screw driver first. Then try a car locksmith, key and or lock removal may not cost that much.
Slide hammer may break more than you bargain for.

- (#10808) Clive, 11 May 04 04:53

Key removal cost have been quoted between £150 and £250 for an auto locksmith to come out to me to blow the lock and replace with new.

I assume you intend the screw drive ro to be used tio force trhe lock into ACC position yes? Will attempt that this evening, but not hopeful as I think the shank in the barrel will prevent the movement.

WOnder if a domestic locksmith would be willing to attempt it? Will have to call round and will report back.

Dave

- (#10808) Dave Townsend, 11 May 04 05:02

The barrel is buggered by this stage, just drill it out. It's mostly alloy, shouldn't be hard to drill

- (#10808) David Miller, 11 May 04 07:13

Dave does the advice for the lightace broken key apply to the "Townace".I am still able to use mine[have been past 6month]but feel it time to do something about it.Advice would be most appreciated. Thank You.

- (#10808) Steuart, 14 May 04 10:29

Steuart,
If you can turn thr lock to Acc, you should be able to dismantle the lock assembly and remove the barrel. Once the barrel is out you can fish the end of the key out.

- (#10808) Clive (Bristol), 14 May 04 10:54

Still haven't got the key out, Local Toyaota dealer will do it, for a price, looks like I'm gonna have to spend money

Unless anyone knows how to disable the Steering Lock on a Space Cruiser?

- (#10808) Dave Townsend, 7 Jun 04 06:01

It is possible to but broken key removers for a couple of pounds. They work pretty well. It is possible to make something similar using a hacksaw blade and grinding it to shape. Pin tumbler locks can be drilled out without much of a problem too.

- (#10808) Jason, 9 Jun 04 14:50

Dave can you get a access to the lock with a drill (pref Electric) using a high speed drill slightly larger than the key width drill into key.
Do this as many times as possible without forcing or bending the drill bit as you do not want to snap it.
Use three or four drills if nescessary and a bit of 3 in 1 oil to lubricate.
Once you have drlled as much of the key away as you think able try and lever barrel into position as suggested and srew in a steel self tap screw and then attempt to withdraw barrel.
This has worked for me on several motobike barrels and an old T-Spitfire.

Labour intensive and about £15.00 in good quality drill bits

Good Luck.
- (#10808) Steve, 9 Jun 04 15:40

The Saga Ends.....

MAnaged to drill out the barrel/key thanks Steve fo rthe step by step, but still couldn't get the workings out nor teh Steering lock to disengae.

Finally got it towed to Toyota World in Lympsham, Somerset, who finished the job for me for the sunm of £123-00 inc VAT, ouch...but need the bus back on the road for tomorrow and had no choice.

On the bright side it passed it's Mot firsat time (after tyre replacement) Not bad for a 16 year old Space Cruiser.

- (#10808) Dave Townsend, 17 Jun 04 03:55